Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Sports

Established teams cool off this year

Off the Wall

Jordan Overturf 

This past weekend, all three remaining undefeated Mens Div. 1 basketball teams (Duke, Florida, and UConn) bit the bullet and fell to the harsh face of mortality.

The glory of what the Colts thought was going to be "Their Season" fell short in the playoffs, long before in the preseason; a crushing blow to their once unblemished record. Early in the season, the Patriots proved they were not the reigning gods they once viewed themselves as. 

And in what had to be one of the greatest National Title games in NCAA Football history, Southern California was dethroned after riding a win streak that lasted 33 games.

The question that starts to itch in my mind is: Is it really necessary for a team to go undefeated for its entire lifetime?

It is understandable that a team wants to achieve perfection and will use that as a driving force to push towards victory, but the belief that a team can go on forever living as demigods untouched by the rest of the sports world is ridiculous.

A single flaw on their otherwise pristine record mars the arrogance of players from glorious teams and supposed dynasties, such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Instead of these leaders assuming responsibility for outcomes, they cower in the shadow of blame and self-doubt. 

According to Tom Brady, the Patriots did not get the respect they deserved. Newsflash: To continue to get respect, a team must continue to earn it. This is hardly possible when you end up with a 10-6 record in the regular season, while a team like the Chicago Bears managed an 11-5 season with a rookie quarterback.

Peyton Manning, still covered in the stench of an unbelievable defeat, stepped down as a leader and took the position of team rat, coward, or whatever term given to a traitor. "I don't want to be a bad teammate, but … " Manning said. That is a huge "but" that now has placed questionable leadership qualities, such as the valor to take a team loss on the chin.

For the variety of sports, no matter what a season is like, going undefeated is a great goal, but an unrealistic opportunity for most teams.

More teams should take the K.I.S.S. philosophy. Keep It Simple Stupid. Look forward to giving a great effort and come out a victor, even if you end your perfect season.
 

Send comments to dcsports@mail.uh.edu